Hearings Explore North County Transportation and Public Amenities Improvement Plans

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and California Department of Transportation are holding a series of public hearings to discuss extensive long-term plans to improve transportation and other public amenities along the Interstate 5 North Coast corridor.

The next gathering is planned for 6-8 p.m. April 4 at Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. in Carlsbad, according to a SANDAG statement.

Officials are gathering feedback in drafting a blueprint for a long-term package of rail, transit, highway, environmental and coastal access improvements planned between Oceanside and La Jolla. Most projects being considered are part of previously adopted regional and city plans, including the Interstate 5 Express Lane project, improvements to the coastal rail line, new bike and pedestrian trails, and protection of coastal lagoons.

The blueprint, known formally as the Public Works Plan/Transportation and Resource Enhancement Program, is currently undergoing a 60-day public review and comment period, before it is finalized for submission to the California Coastal Commission.